Remembering Harley Refsal
Harley Refsal, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on September 8, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.
Harley was an internationally recognized figure carver and beloved Vesterheim instructor and Gold Medalist. He specialized in Scandinavian-style flat plane figure carving, a minimalist style that leaves the tool marks exposed. He won numerous carving awards and taught carving classes throughout the United States, Canada, and Scandinavia, always making time for classes at Vesterheim.
Raised in Minnesota, Harley lived in Norway in the 1960s and 1980s and traveled extensively throughout Scandinavia. He became interested in the rustic carved figures he saw while on a college choir tour to Norway in 1965 and soon began carving his own “flat-plane” figures. He is credited with introducing the Scandinavian flat-plane woodcarving style to Americans and helping revive interest in this style in Norway. In 1996, he was decorated by the government and King of Norway with the St. Olaf’s Medal in recognition of his contributions to Norwegian folk art studies.
Harley is the author of Art and Technique of Scandinavian-Style Woodcarving as well as seven other carving-related books and numerous articles for wood carving magazines. In addition to his carving and teaching, Harley was a professor of Norwegian language and Scandinavian folk art at Luther College in Decorah.
The list of Harley’s accomplishments and talents is long and his passion for Scandinavia and woodcarving was strong, but one of his greatest attributes was his delightful and gentle presence. His many, many students count themselves lucky to have spent time with him.
Director of Folk Art Education Andrew Ellingsen said, “Harley Refsal’s artistry and passion for Scandinavian flat-plane figure carving have touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the folk art community. His dedication to preserving and sharing his craft and the warmth he brought to his teaching have inspired generations of artists and enthusiasts alike. We honor his immense contributions, celebrate the lasting legacy he has created through his work and teaching, and thank him for the many ways he helped shape Vesterheim Folk Art School’s programming and community.”
The Vesterheim community is deeply grateful to Harley for everything he offered the museum and folk art school through his expertise and kindness. Vesterheim President/CEO, Chris Johnson, said, “Harley was a tireless advocate for Vesterheim and the healing power of craft. His teaching approach was always one of encouragement, working with students of all abilities and connecting with them one-on-one.”
We send love to Harley’s wife Norma and sons Carl and Martin.
If you’d like to know more about Harley, PBS Pioneer produced a wonderful 20-minute film in 2022 about Harley’s teaching and legacy. This webinar includes a screening of the film along with stories from Liesl Chatman and Charles Banks, carvers woodworkers and instructors who studied with Harley. His full obituary is listed here.